Paul Finebaum of ESPN compares Arch Manning’s potential stardom to Tim Tebow

Now that Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has officially named Arch Manning the starter, the college football world can’t wait until the Manning-era begins in earnest in August when the Longhorns visit defending national champion Ohio State.

Arch is the next generation of one of the most prolific quarterback families in football history. His uncles are Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, both Super Bowl winners, and his grandfather is Archie Manning, a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Peyton is also in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Arch made a name for himself in high school as a four-time all-state honoree. Manning shattered school records at Isidore Newman, surpassing the achievements of his uncles Eli and Peyton. In his senior year, he showcased his exceptional talent by passing for 2,300 yards, scoring 34 touchdowns, and adding six rushing touchdowns to his tally. Recognized as the top recruit nationally by 247Sports, On3, and Rivals, Arch’s remarkable performance earned him a spot in the prestigious 2022 U.S. Army Bowl and the prestigious Bobby Dodd National Back of the Year award.

Manning started two games during the 2024 season in relief of the injured Quinn Ewers. Arch went 61 of 90 for 939 yards and nine touchdowns. He also rushed for 108 yards on 25 carries and four touchdowns.

As the hype builds, one big name college football insider thinks Manning could have an epic career. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum told On3’s Pete Nakos that he sees a lot of parallels between Manning and Florida legend Tim Tebow.

“I believe that not since Tim Tebow have we had something that is aligned with Arch Manning,” Finebaum said. “A different era, but remember Tebow showed up in Florida in 2006 and they had a great quarterback, Chris Leak. He was the number one quarterback in the country and wasn’t dissimilar to what we saw with Quinn Ewers. And they won a national championship.”

“Then they moved on to Tebow mania in the internet age but not quite in the age that we live in now, where everything is social media,” he continued. “By the way, Tebow did not come from the most famous family in football history. He was in some ways more famous for what he stood for as opposed to how he played. Arch just checks every box.”